Celebrating the legacy of SA's iconic photojournalist, the late Dr Ranjith Kally

BRAVE MAN'

- NADIA KHAN

WITH his youngest daughter, Professor Pavithra Pillay. LEFT: Pillay at age 5 with Kally at a soccer match taking a peek through the lens of his camera. WITH his eldest daughter, Jyoti Michael.

(Supplied Supplied)

THE late Dr Ranjith Kally, an internationally-acclaimed photojournalist, stands out as a beacon of artistry having captured some of the most significant moments in South Africa’s history.

In paying homage to Kally, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on November 26, his youngest daughter, Professor Pavitra Pillay, shared his remarkable story which started from humble beginnings as a self-taught photographer to having his work displayed at exhibitions around the world.

Kally, the son of indentured descendants, Kallicharan and Rajwanthia, who toiled in the sugar cane fields, was born in Isipingo Rail in 1925. He passed away in June 2017 at the age of 91.

Pillay said Kally shared stories of his life while growing up in a “poor but loving” home.

“My dad told us that they were quite poor. He said he walked barefoot to school, which was about 3km from their home. He said food was also scarce and their meal was usually dhal and rice.”

In Standard 6 (Grade 8), Kally left school and worked in a shoe factory.

“They were a big family and he decided to get a job to help out at home. He was responsible for fitting shoe soles which he did up to 850 a day. My dad told us that even though life was tough, his home was filled with happiness and love.

“I am not sure of the exact year, but during this time my dad stumbled upon a jumble sale where he bought his first camera, a Kodak Postcard model, for just six pence. He initially began taking pictures for weddings and social events to supplement his wages at the shoe factory. He was also self-taught. He told us he read books on photography.